By Alex Roberts
Lee Carsley, who has returned to the Under-21s, was at the helm last time the Three Lions took the field, beating the Republic of Ireland 5-0 in the UEFA Nations league, the country he represented as a player.
Albania, on the other hand, have just one win in their last five games, a 1-0 victory over Georgia, but Thomas Tuchel’s side shouldn’t underestimate the plucky Balkans.
What a week for Dan Burn
Fresh off the back of helping Newcastle beat Arne Slot’s Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, ending the club’s massive 70-year trophy drought, the 32-year-old is in line to make his England debut this international break.
Tuchel has been full of praise for the centre-back, lauding his leadership, and Burn himself is determined to make an impression, asserting that he isn’t with the side to “be a cheerleader.”
The heart of defence is one of the few positions England don’t really have a wealth of options in, but even then, Burn’s call-up came as somewhat of a surprise, especially considering Jarrad Branthwaite, who is largely considered the future in that position, was fit and available.
Tuchel isn’t there for a long time though, and Burn can definitely leave a mark.
A fine-tuned Albanian engine
Albania have a number of fairly young players that can do some serious damage to this England side, but few are quite as qualified as Inter Milan midfielder Kristjan Asllani, the engine of Sylvinho’s side.
Consistent playing time has been hard to come by in Italy, Asllani has started just six of his Serie A games, yielding a total of 599 minutes in the league. Of course, he has to compete with Nicolo Barella, and any CM in the world would find that hard.
The shackles are off when he’s with the national team, starring in Albania’s last two games against Ukraine and Czechia, even if they didn’t win. England are a different beast, but that should light a fire under him.
Hendo back in the fold
Jordan Henderson’s recall appears to be another indicator of Tuchel’s impermanence and priorities, focussing on the here and now rather than building a squad for the future. It’s not entirely different from Gareth Southgate’s approach, but completely different from Carsley’s.
The decision certainly raised some eyebrows, especially considering Henderson hasn’t exactly been a fixture for his Ajax side. To be fair to him, that’s likely due to his age rather than his ability.
The 34-year-old’s leadership was cited as the reason he was picked ahead of the likes of Adam Wharton. It’s the type of decision England fans and players are going to have to get used to. Tuchel is here for a good time not a long time.
Armando Broja’s much-needed getaway
It’s been a season to forget for the on-loan Chelsea forward. Injuries and his general fitness have been ongoing issues during his season at Everton, and in the few opportunities he’s had, he hasn’t exactly impressed.
The striker hasn’t scored a goal since 2023-24, the winner in Chelsea’s 1-0 FA Cup win over Preston. His stock is plummeting thanks to disastrous loans at Fulham and now Everton.
International football has always been a chance for players to get away, find themselves, and re-adjust. Much like a recently divorced woman who decides to travel to Asia. Broja will be hoping to channel his inner Julia Robers in Eat, Pray, Love.
Prediction
Tuchel is a smart bloke, he will be looking at this game pragmatically, much like when he took over at Chelsea, he’s still figuring out what tools he’s got to work with. We’re going to go with a 2-0 England win.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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